Find out everything you need to know about buying a car in the Netherlands, including how to import and sell a car and complete all the necessary paperwork.
Despite the fact that the Netherlands boasts high-quality public transport and a world-renowned cycling infrastructure, many people still decide to buy a car. But while purchasing can be a convenient option, there are a few things to consider. For example, do you want a new model or a used one? Or do you prefer to import your own car from abroad? In addition, of course, there are additional costs to consider when driving in the Netherlands, such as car insurance, road tax and fuel.
To help you get started, this article outlines everything you need to know about buying a car in the Netherlands, including:
Buying a car in the Netherlands
The Netherlands may be known as the country of bicycles, but cars are not far behind. In fact, according to 2022, there will be 8.9 million passenger cars on the road. This means one for every 1.9 inhabitants. The figures also show that the number of cars is increasing from 2020, with growth of around 100,000 per year, and if this trend continues, there could be around 10 million cars on the road by the end of 2023.
The popularity of electric cars is also growing , and they are an attractive option for those who want to live more ecologically. Indeed, as of January 2023, there were about 340,583 plug-in electric vehicles on the road. This was about 3.7% of the market.
This growing trend is largely due to the Netherlands’ aim to ensure that all new passenger vehicles are zero-emission by 2030 . This also means that the country has one of the densest networks of charging stations in the world and is a European leader in the field of electric vehicles.
The most popular car brand in the Netherlands is Kia. It overtook Volkswagen ( VW ) as the national favorite in 2022, largely due to the popularity of its Picanto and Niro models. Despite this, VW is still the largest car supplier in the country, claiming more than 20% of the market. As for electric cars, Tesla’s Model 3 led the way in January 2023, followed by Kia’s Niro. At that moment, more than 42,600 people were registered in the country.
Needless to say, when it comes to finding and buying a car in the Netherlands, you’ll definitely have no shortage of options regardless of your budget and preferences.
Who can buy a car in the Netherlands?
You must be at least 18 years old to legally drive in the Netherlands. You must also have a valid driver’s license ( rijbewijs) with you . In addition, you must have third-party car insurance ( WA-verzekering ), a car ownership certificate ( tenaamstellingsbewij or tenaamstellingscode ) and a vehicle registration card ( kentekenkaart or kentekenbewijs ).
It is noteworthy that if you are from a European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you can use your existing driving license in the Netherlands and do not need to exchange it. EU licenses issued since January 2013 are valid for 15 years from the date of issue. Those issued earlier are valid for only 10 years. Likewise, licenses from Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland are valid for 10 years or after the license expires (whichever comes first).
On the other hand, if your license was issued outside the EU or EEA, you can use it for 185 days after moving to the Netherlands. You will then need to apply for a Dutch driving license.
Regardless of where your license was issued, you still have to obey local laws when it comes to driving in the Netherlands.
Buying a new car in the Netherlands
Naturally, buying a new car in the Netherlands has several advantages. For example, they tend to be more reliable without the wear and tear of previous owners. They may also have lower maintenance costs and the ability to customize them to your liking.
In addition, all new cars sold in the country come with a minimum two-year warranty. Of course, this can give you extra peace of mind. On the other hand, buying a used car can also have its advantages, such as a lower price if you are on a tight budget.
How to find a car for sale
Generally, you can start your car search by searching the internet to get an idea of the models and prices on the market. You can then decide whether you want to buy it through a dealer or a private seller, and whether you want to arrange a test drive. It is noteworthy that in the Netherlands it is customary to bargain. Therefore, you can prepare for this process by looking at how much the car costs.
Your buyer’s checklist
Once you’ve found the car you want to buy and agreed on a price, setup, and delivery time, you should receive a sales contract that includes all of these details. Of course, it’s also important to check the length of the warranty and its coverage, which depends on the manufacturer. You can also inquire about the delivery time, as it can take up to a year in the Netherlands. This is partly because the Dutch car market is struggling with a global chip shortage, which is hampering the production of new cars, leading to long delays.
The main regulatory authority for road transport in the Netherlands is the Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW) . He is responsible for tasks related to the licensing of vehicles, monitoring the condition of vehicles and issuing documents for vehicles. Therefore, it plays a big role when it comes to buying and selling a car in the country.
When you buy a new car from an RDW approved dealership , they will transfer the number plate to your name and provide you with a vehicle registration certificate. You will then receive your registration card and code by mail within one business day .
It is noteworthy that the code consists of 9 digits, and if you buy a new car, you will receive them immediately after one working day after registration. However, if you’re buying a used car, you’ll get the first 4 digits when you buy it and the last 5 when you get your registration card.
Car financing in the Netherlands
You can pay for the car in full or in parts. If you choose the latter, there are several car dealerships that offer this type of financing. Alternatively, you can go directly to your bank to take out a personal loan. Just make sure you compare terms and interest rates before making a decision.
Where to buy a new car in the Netherlands
Car dealerships
The largest car showrooms are located throughout the Netherlands. You can use the handy RDW search tool (in Dutch) to find an RDW-accredited dealer in your area. Just enter your zip code and select ” Een veroorheid kopen ” (buying a car).
Dealerships often advertise their inventory online and you can make an appointment to view the vehicle. Some of the most popular dealerships in the Netherlands include:
Buying a car online
In 2021, only 5% of new car sales were entirely online. However, this is expected to increase in the coming years. The advantage of shopping online is that all the information is available in advance so you can compare them from the comfort of your home before arranging a test drive.
Each retailer has a different return policy. Therefore, it is important to read the fine print before signing the agreement. The most popular online care dealers in the Netherlands are AutoDealers.nl and auto.nl.
Electric cars and hybrids in the Netherlands
As already mentioned, the popularity of electric cars and hybrids has been steadily increasing in recent years, and charging stations are popping up all over the country. They are becoming an increasingly attractive option as they are exempt from heavy vehicle tax (MRB) .
In addition, government subsidies have been introduced until 2025 to stimulate the electricity market for new or used cars. However, these subsidies are available on a “while supplies last” basis, so it’s worth keeping that in mind if you’re considering applying for one. As mentioned, the most popular battery electric vehicle (BEV) in January 2023 was the Tesla Model 3 , followed by the Kia Niro . Meanwhile, the most popular hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) was the Mitsubishi Outlander , followed by the Volvo V60 .
Buying a used car in the Netherlands
Buying a used car has several advantages, including affordability and affordability. Still, you can manage your price expectations because while the new car market is slowly recovering from the global chip shortage, the used car market is still struggling to catch up with demand. As a result, prices continue to rise. For example, in November 2022, the average price of a used car on AutoScout24.nl was €24,772, and it was expected to rise further.
It’s also important to remember that used cars have fewer warranties and more risks when it comes to dealing with individual sellers through online marketplace platforms. Therefore, before signing any contract, it is important to make sure that the registration card and the vehicle code match. You can also use the RDW license plate checker to look up the vehicle’s history. You should also check the mileage and date of the car’s last periodic test (or Algemene Periodieke Keuring – APK ) to make sure it meets the standards. And finally, you should check the emission class of your car.
Once you’ve inspected the car to make sure it’s in good condition, you can proceed with the transfer of ownership. If you buy a car from an RDW approved company , they will do it for you on the spot. Otherwise, the seller can provide you with the necessary documents to arrange it yourself, or he can accompany you to the RDW counter. The seller will then receive a certificate of reimbursement ( vrijwaringsbewijs ) and hand over the car.
It is worth noting that it is preferable to pay for a used car by bank transfer rather than cash, as most banks will reimburse you if you have transferred money to someone in case of fraud.
Where to buy a used car in the Netherlands
There are several ways to find and buy a used car in the Netherlands. For example, you can contact the private owner directly, contact local dealers, or check online platforms where people post free ads.
Car dealerships in the Netherlands
Many leading dealerships will have used cars in stock as well as new. If you know what model you are looking for, your best bet is to compare the prices you find online and book a test drive in advance.
Again, you can go to the dealerships listed above and see what they have in stock. And when you find a car that meets your needs, don’t be afraid to negotiate with the seller. After all, they want a sale – so try to haggle until you’re happy with the price.
Car brokers in the Netherlands
Car brokers ( Autohandelaar ) in the Netherlands usually operate in the used car market. These are usually local businesses that offer more benefits than buying directly from an individual, such as a warranty . You can find a directory of local RDW-approved car brokers by entering your postcode and selecting ” Een veroorheid kopen “.
Buying a used car online
Many people in the Netherlands look online for the best deals when looking for a used car. Fortunately, there are several websites that advertise used cars at a wide range of dealerships. They include:
Buying a car in the Netherlands from a private owner
Private owners most often sell their used cars on Marktplaats or AutoScout24 . Notably, while Marktplaats is well known as a platform for private sellers, 80% of the cars offered on the platform are actually from professionals who offer benefits such as warranty or replacement.
It is best to arrange a meeting at the person’s home and ask for an ID card. Then let them show you the car and how it is driven, making sure there are no signs of forced entry; i.e. that the car was not stolen.
When buying from a private person, always check the license plate and technical license, as well as the code . They are responsible for providing you with the correct certificates and license plates.
If the window is engraved with a registration number, make sure it matches the documents. You should also ask for the latest Vehicle Periodic Inspection (VIP) report, which should be done every two years. When it’s time to hand over the car, you can ask them to come with you to the RDW desk or do it online if you have a Dutch driving license. And remember, always pay by bank transfer and never cash to be sure you’re protected from fraud.
Vehicle registration and other documents in the Netherlands
If you buy a car in the Netherlands, you must immediately register it with the RDW for a fee of €11.40. You can do this at an RDW test station , online or at an RDW accredited dealership if that’s where you bought the car.
The following criteria must be met:
- You are 18 years old
- Must reside in the Netherlands, be registered in the municipality’s Personal Document Database (PRD) and have your BSN
- You must have your vehicle registration certificate and code with you
Necessary documents
You will need to provide proof of identity, which can be one of the following:
- A valid Dutch driving license; who is no more than 10 years old
- Valid EU passport or ID card; plus a certificate of residence and a copy of personal data from the municipal register, which is not older than three months
- Valid foreign passport; as well as a residence permit and the original extract from the personal data database (BRP), which is not older than three months
You will also need to show your vehicle registration card ( kentekenkaart or kentekenbewijs ) and your car ownership certificate ( tenaamstellingsbewijs or tenaamstellingscode ).
Once the RWD has verified your identity and registration details, they will transfer the documents to your name, usually on the spot. After that you will receive a code. Again, if you’re buying a new car, you’ll get all 9 digits at once. Otherwise, you will receive the first 4 digits when you purchase the vehicle and the last 5 digits when you receive your registration card in the mail the next business day.
It is important to know that from this point on, you are responsible for vehicle obligations such as car insurance, vehicle inspection (APK) and vehicle tax (MRB).
Car registration online
Fortunately, the online car registration process is very simple. You just need to log in with DigiD (the Netherlands’ central identity management platform) and undergo identity verification by scanning your Dutch ID, passport or driver’s license.
Then you need to click on “Transfer ownership of the vehicle” and enter the vehicle registration code and other details. The fee for this is €11.40 and you can pay via iDeal (a widely used online payment system).
Once the process is complete, you will receive several confirmation emails. You can also download a refund certificate (vrijwaringsbewijs ) and send it to the seller.
The cost of a car in the Netherlands
There are a few basic costs that you need to consider when it comes to driving a car in the Netherlands. For example, you will need to take out compulsory car insurance and pay a monthly vehicle tax (VIT). You will also need to pay for your vehicle’s Periodic Inspection (APK) and any repairs. Then, of course, there are fuel costs. As of February 2023, gasoline in the Netherlands costs approximately 1.8 euros per liter .
Motor Vehicle Tax (MRB)
This is calculated when you register your new car, after which you will automatically receive an assessment from the Netherlands Tax and Customs Administration ( Belastingdienst ). The amount of tax you have to pay depends on the type of vehicle, its weight, the type of fuel and its environmental impact. As a result, the amount of road tax you will have to pay can range up to €100 per year.
To calculate the tax rate , you can use the vehicle tax rate tool (in Dutch). In particular, all-electric and hydrogen-powered cars are exempt from vehicle tax.
Periodic inspection of motor vehicles (APK)
All cars in the Netherlands must pass a valid Periodic Vehicle Inspection (APK) before they can legally drive on public roads. This ensures the safe driving of the car, and therefore the suitability for use.
The first technical inspection must be passed four years after the registration of the car, then renewed after two years, and then annually. RDW will remind you when you need a service.
The test costs between €20 and €75 and can be carried out at any RDW-approved garage or test station. They are marked with a plate with the text ” RDW erkent ” (approved by RDW) and a sticker with the text “PTI light vehicles” ( APK lichte veroideungen ) or “PTI heavy vehicles” ( APK lichte veroeideungen ). You can use the RDW locator to find the one closest to you.
If your vehicle fails MOT, you will need to arrange repairs to get it approved again and you can drive it on public roads.
Car insurance
Car insurance is compulsory for all drivers in the Netherlands. You must have car third party liability insurance ( WA-verzekering ) which covers you against any damage or injury caused by your other vehicle. Other types of optional car insurance include extended liability ( WA-beperkt casco ) and all risks ( allriskverzekering ).
Auto insurance rates depend on several factors, including your driving history, experience and the value of your car. The average cost of car insurance is about 75 euros per month. You can compare car insurance quotes using online comparison tools on platforms like Independer and United Consumers.
Import of a car to the Netherlands
If you are moving to the Netherlands from an EU/EFTA country with your own car, there are several advantages. For example, you don’t have to spend time or money looking for a new one, and you can use it to make your move easier. You can even get a tax exemption if you meet certain criteria.
On the other hand, importing a car from outside the EU/EFTA country can be very expensive when you factor in transport costs, import duty, VAT and inspection costs. For example, import costs are €924.00 and re-inspection costs can reach €531.00. Total registration costs add approximately 100.00 EUR.
Step-by-step process
To import a car into the country, you must be at least 18 years old and registered in the Personal Data Database (BRP) . The Dutch government clearly describes the step-by-step process for importing a car into the Netherlands, which varies depending on whether it comes from an EU/EFTA country or not.
However, wherever your car comes from, you must check it at the RDW to make sure it meets European requirements. If the vehicle passes the assessment, the RDW will register it in the Dutch vehicle registration database. You have to pay for MOT and registration, and the amount you’ll need to pay depends on where your car comes from, the type of car and the year it was made.
You will also need to submit a BPM report , after which you will receive a new registration certificate and code from RDW. If you have a vehicle registered in your name, you must pay Motor Vehicle Tax (MRB) monthly or quarterly. You will also need third party liability insurance ( WA-verzekering ) to protect yourself if you cause any damage while driving. And finally, you will need Dutch license plates made by a recognized license plate manufacturer .
Of course, importing a car to the Netherlands is a long and expensive process, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Selling a car in the Netherlands
Selling a car through a local car dealer is quick and easy. This is because most used car dealerships will buy it straight away, no questions asked. Many of them also offer the opportunity to exchange an old car for a new one. They will also sell you a new car at a great trade-in price. However, there are several other ways to sell a car in the Netherlands.
Via the RDW Licensed Website
Another quick and financially sound way to sell a car in the Netherlands is through an RDW licensed website such as ikwilvanmijnautoaf.nl , wijkopenautos.nl or ANWB . They allow you to enter information about the car, determine the current value and sell it at an approximate price.
However, it is important to know that these sites differ in their services. For example, some require verification and others do not. Also, some may guarantee a sale while others may not.
One of the main advantages of using a car sales site, apart from the speed with which you can sell your car, is the lack of paperwork. The site will process all the paperwork for the transfer of the vehicle’s registration and will also issue you with a damage compensation certificate (vrijwaringsbewijs ), which confirms that the vehicle is no longer in your name.
Placing a free ad on the auction site
Another way to sell your car is to post a free ad on an auction site such as Marktplaats. However, this may take longer as you have to wait for a good offer to come along. And a good price is not always possible. In fact, you may not receive any bids, or you may not receive too many bids.
You should also be available to potential buyers who want to come and look at the car and take it for a test drive. In addition, you are responsible for the proper presentation of the vehicle. Again, you must provide high-quality photos of your vehicle, write a description, and place it on the auction.
Although not mandatory, having the vehicle inspected – as per the mandatory annual APK – will strengthen the confidence of buyers. In fact, some buyers will ignore cars that still need to pass an APK. That’s because it could be a sign of expensive repairs needed. However, this may mean that you have to invest in repairs yourself.
Paperwork
Once you’ve found a buyer and agreed on a price and terms of sale, you’ll need to print out a document that will serve as a contract. It should state that the car (including the make and model name) was sold at the agreed price.
You will also need to collect the necessary documents for transferring the car. These include the vehicle registration card ( kentekenkaart ) and the ownership code ( Tenaamstellingscode ). If you have lost any of these, you can request them from RDW.
RDW describes the process of registering a vehicle , when ownership of the vehicle is transferred to the buyer. This must be done by the buyer at the kentekenloket (reception desk). This is often found in the RDW office. As a seller, you can also leave, but you don’t have to.
If you sell your car to someone outside the Netherlands, you cannot apply to kentekenloket to transfer ownership of the car. Instead, you and the buyer must go to the RDW office to start the process of exporting the vehicle. Of course, this requires more documents.
The equipment you need for your car in the Netherlands
When driving in the Netherlands, you must always have your driver’s license, vehicle registration card and vehicle insurance document with you.
There are no mandatory safety items that you should have in your car, such as a first aid kit or a fire extinguisher. It is noteworthy that the use of the signal triangle is mandatory only if the signal lamps do not work.
With this in mind, it is advisable to have with you:
- Red warning triangle
- Reflective protective vest
- Spare bulb
- First aid kit
Useful resources
- RDW – explains how to transfer a vehicle registration number to another person
- ANWB – describes how to buy a car in 10 steps
- RDW – provides helpful advice on buying a car